Air Show Draws Huge Crowds

They came by the thousands.

The Up, Up and Away Airshow at the Kenora Airport proved to be an unqualified
success.

The highlight of the show was the performance of the Snowbirds aerobatic team.

Corporal Greg Wiebe is from Kenora and a member of the squad and says its been
a busy week for them.

The air show proved to be so popular that there were long line ups of cars, which at times stretched all the way down Airport Road.

MNR Shares Concerns over Flying Lanterns

The Ministry of Natural Resources is backing up concerns about flying lanterns.

Debbie McLean from the MNR says people are liable for the lanterns.

McLean does agree that the lanterns do cause a serious forest fire hazard.

The Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association are working with the MNR to ban the sale of the products in Ontario.

Over Half a Million Raised in Relays for Life in NWO

Another successful year for the Relay for Life across northwestern Ontario.

Eight community events were held for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Northwest Regional Manager Maria Cabral says over 577-thousand dollars was raised.

Cabral notes that's the unofficial total as more money is coming in.

She adds that there will be two additional Relays in the fall in Marathon and Atikokan.

KDSB Losing Long-Time Employee to Retirement

The Kenora District Services Board is losing a key member of its senior staff team.

Dianne Apland of Dryden has announced her retirement as Director of Integrated Social Services effective February, 2014.

Apland is currently in charge of Housing, Child Care and Ontario Works.

Apland has been with the Board for 10-years.

 She will be replaced by Sarah Stevenson, who has been involved in integration strategies with the Board since September 2011.

Temperatures Soar in NWO

It was a record breaking Wednesday in several communities in the northwest.

Kenora was the hot spot at 31.5 degrees, which broke the previous record set last year, at 29.6.

Dryden hit a new temperature record of 30.8.

That eclipsed the old mark of 29.6 set in 2003.

Ear Falls reached 31, beating the old record of 30 set in 1996.

Plans for Phase 3 of Downtown Revitalization to be Released

Design plans for phase three of downtown revitalization will be unvieled soon.

The City of Kenora is going to be showing off the plans for Second Street South next week at the Farmer's Market.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says the project is still dependant on gettng funding from both the federal and provincial levels of government.

 The price tag for phase three of downtown revitalization has been pegged at about six million dollars.

Broncos Football Schedule Released

The schedule for the Winnipeg High School Football League has been released, and Beaver Brae will once again have the luxury of four home games.

The Broncos will open the season on the road against the Elmwood Giants on September 4th.

Beaver Brae's first home game will be a week later against Dryden.

The Broncos will also get to face their NorWOSSA rivals from Fort Frances this year, with a home game in early October.

Beaver Brae will open its training camp on August 19th at Pete Fair Memorial Field.

Date             Visitor             Home            Time

Wed Sep 4   Beaver Brae     Elmwood       5:00pm

Thu Sep 12   Dryden            Beaver Brae   4:00pm

Fri Sep 20    Tec Voc          Beaver Brae   3:00pm

Fri Sep 27    Beaver Brae    Maples         4:00pm Eastside

Fri Oct 4      Fort Frances    Beaver Brae   3:00pm

Thu Oct 10   Lorette           Beaver Brae 3:00pm

Fri Oct 18    Beaver Brae     St. John's       5:00pm Nomads

Federal Funding for Environmental Assessment

The federal government is out with funding for those interested in taking part in the environmental assessment for the Griffith Iron Ore project in Ear Falls.

The money is for eligible individuals and groups wanting to get involved in the environmental review and draft report.
Applications must be submitted by August 1st.

Northern Iron is proposing the redevelopment of the former Griffith Mine.

The project would produce roughly 16-thousand tonnes of ore per day, with a mine life of some 20-years.

information is available at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca Ref # 80035, by e-mailing PFP.PAFP@ceaa-acee.gc.ca or calling toll free at 1-866-582-1884.

MNR Reviewing Arizona Fire Fatalities

Preventing firefighter deaths in Northwestern Ontario.

The Ministry of Natural Resources continues to take the extra steps to make sure their crews are safe and prevent a similar incident like the one in Arizona that killed 19 firefighters.

MNR Spokesperson Al Tithecott says they aren't sure if it will change how they handle forest fires.

Tithecott says they also look at how the fires will move around and estimate where they will burn.

Lake Smart Program Back for Another Year

The Lake Smart Program is celebrating its third summer on Lake of the Woods.

The Lake Smart boat will be heading out to local camps starting this
week as part of an environmental education program.

Susan McLeod is the executive director of the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association and says the program has been very successful so far.

McLeod says they have two students who will be doing the environmental outreach program this summer.

Ideal Weather Conditions Forecast for Airshow

It should be perfect weather conditions for today's air show
at the Kenora Airport.

The Up, Up and Away Festival gets underway this afternoon.

John Gale is one of the organizers and says this is one of the biggest
airshows in Canada this year.

Yesterday, the Snowbirds did a fly-by to announce their arrival in town.

The Air Show is scheduled to get underway just after 4:00.

7 New Fires Start in Northwestern Ontario

The Kenora District is clear of any new forest fires.

Heather Pridham with the MNR says 7 new fires started in Northwestern Ontario yesterday.

She says a number of those fire have already been extinguished and the others are listed as held.

Pridham expects the fire hazard to jump to extreme throughout the region this week.

OPP Busy on Roadways During Long Weekend

The Canada Day long weekend kept Police busy in the region.

Sergeant Shelley Garr says they laid over 400 charges for driving infractions.

Garr says she is concerned about one number in particular.

She adds that they issued 362 speeding tickets over the long weekend alone in the Northwest.

Follow Your Dreams Winners Announced

A dream flight for 2.

The organizers of the air show have announced the winners of the Follow Your Dreams competition to fly with Super Dave Matheison during the show.

Tracy Wider announced the winners today as Wesley Penner and Elly Robertson.

The air show takes to the skies tomorrow.

Iacobucci Named Lead Negotiator for Ring of Fire

Former Supreme Court of Canada Justice Frank Iacobucci has been put in charge of negotiations surrounding the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario.

The provincial government has appointed Iacobucci as lead negotiator in discussions with Chiefs of the Matawa Tribal Council.

The Council is represented by former interim Liberal leader Bob Rae.

Iacobucci says his main priorities include resource revenue sharing, social and economic support programs, regional infrastructure planning and development as well as environmental protection and monitoring.

The two negotiators are expected to work on a framework even though Cliffs Natural Resources has suspended operations at the Ring of Fire.

Thunder Bay Inquest Starting to Take Shape

The City of Thunder Bay is getting permission to speak at an inquest into the deaths of seven aboriginal youth.

City Lawyer Stephen Wojciechowski says they've been given the green light to speak at the inquest and they'll be using the time leading up to the inquest to prepare.

Other groups who received permission from Coroner Dr. David Eden include the Nishnawbe Aski Nation and the Police Services Board.

The inquest isn't expected to take place until the spring
of 2014.

Cancer Care Bus Hits the Road

The Regional Cancer Centre has a new bus that it will be taking around the northwest to screen for cancer.

Spokesperson Allison McMullen says it will be hitting the Trans Canada Highway starting next month

The cost for the one and a half million dollar bus was paid for through your provincial tax dollars.

 The bus will be heading to Dryden, Ear Falls and Red Lake starting July 15th.

Rickford Responds to Union Criticism

Kenora MP Greg Rickford says he had continued talks with constituents and labour groups before supporting Bill C-377.

Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union local rep Stephen Boon is upset with Rickford for backing the legislation, that would require transparency for labour organizations.

Rickford says Boon should have done his homework.

He says he had serious concerns about the legislation and managed to get some changes that his constituents asked for.

Rickford notes one union group he worked closely with was the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.

He says changes to the Legislation were made and he believes the Bill represented the transparency that all union members and Canadians could accept.

KDSB Members to Get Pay Raise

A modest pay raise for the next members of the Kenora District Services Board.

The Board voted 7-3 in favour of a pay hike at its meeting yesterday in Dryden.

The Honoraria will be for travel, board meetings and committee meetings and will only be paid out to those who make a meeting in person.

The current stipend for members who attend a board meeting is 1-thousand dollars and that will go up to 2-thousand.

The KDSB stresses that the current rates are the lowest in Ontario and haven't been changed since 1999.

Sioux Lookout Mayor Dennis Leney, Kenora Councilor Louis Roussin and Lake of the Woods unincorporated member Irene Kember voted against the increase.

They stated the hike isn't needed, while Kember wanted video-conference attendance to count in receiving the honoraria.

The change is effective January 1st, 2015.

Eikre Given A 5 Year Contract Extension

The director of Education with the Kenora Catholic District School Board isn't planning
to retire anytime soon.

The separate school board has extended the contract of Phylis Eikre.

Eikre says she's looking forward to at least another five years at the helm.

Eikre has been the director of education since September 1st, 2008.

Accident Results in Drug Charges

The OPP say two people face drug charges following a single vehicle accident on Highway 17-A.

Police say early Friday morning a vehicle went off the road near Middle Lake.

During their investigation, officers discovered some items commonly used in drug use.

Further investigation uncovered a number of hydromorphone pills, with a street value of about five thosuand dollars.

The driver of the vehicle, 30 year old Sharon Pahpasay of Kenora and a passenger, Don Necanapanace Junior from Grassy Narrows have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.

A third person in the vehicle had to be taken to hospital for treatment of
non-threatening injuries.

MNR Says Smoke Coming From Manitoba

You might have noticed some hazy, smoky conditions in the area over the past couple of days.

The MNR says while there was very little fire activity in this region over the long weekend, smoke from fires burning in northern Manitoba and even the Northwest Territories has been drifting into the region.

The hot, dry conditions over the weekend has seen the fire hazard jump
to the high to extreme range right across northwestern Ontario.

Dryden VS. Fort in Kraft Celebration Tour

Its going to be the battle of Dryden versus Fort Frances in the
Kraft Celebration Tour.

The two northwestern Ontario towns will be squaring off for the right to earn 25 thousand dollars and a chance to host a segment of TSN's Sportscenter.

The public vote will take place on July 19th on which community will
host the Kraft Celebration Tour.

Morwood Wins Dryden Triathlon

A Kenora athlete took top honors at the Canada Day Triathlon in Dryden.

Dan Morwood crossed the finish line yesterday in just under 1-hour, ahead of Bob Shine and Cory Smith.

The Dryden Triathalon is a warm-up for some for the Kenora Borealis Multi-SportTriathlon which will take place this weekend at Garrow Park.

Lakeside Fire causes extensive damage

(Photo Courtesy of Mark Duggan)

The OPP and local fire officials are continuing to investigate a fire in the
Lakeside area of town.

The blaze broke out Sunday afternoon to a home on Robertson Street.

The garage unit attached to the home was completely destroyed and
the upper level of the house also sustained extensive fire damage.

Fire chief Warren Brinkman says they are still looking into the cause,
but suggest the blaze started in the garage area.

No one was injured in the blaze.

Break and Enter at Old Market Square

Kenora OPP are investigating a break and enter of a business in Market Square.

Police say the break in took place over night and the suspects made of with a quantity of cash.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Kenora OPP Search for Suspect in Sexual Assault

The Kenora OPP are on the lookout for a suspect of a reported sexual assault.

Police say a woman reported the assault on Monday evening.

The suspect is described as man standing 5 foot 7 with light skin, brown hair, and brown eyes.

He was driving a silver or grey van at the time of the assault.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Ivall Sentenced to 16 Years in Prision

Kenneth Ivall will serve at least 16 years in jail for the death of Ed Wilson.

Justice Terrance Platana sentenced Ivall this morning to 16 years in prison starting from the day he was arrested on March 21st, 2009.

The 43 year old Ivall was found guilty of second degree murder back in February.

Justice Platana described the beating of Ed Wilson as vicious and says the action of placing his body on the Railway tracks in Norman was an effort to cover up the crime.

Justice Platana also says he is concerned that Ivall has not taken any acceptance of the crime and has shown no remorse.

He is not eligible for parole until 2025.

KDSB Ready for Comment on Housing Plan

A long awaited housing and homelessness plan for the Kenora District is about to move forward.

Pubic meetings in communities the Services Board services are expected to begin next month.

KDSB Chair Barry Baltessen says determining the needs of area communities will be a team effort.

Baltesson says they have to submit their draft plan to the board by September.

He adds that t
here is no provincial funding attached to the 10-year strategy.

Lake of the Woods Brewing Company Set to Open

Kenora's newest eating experience will be open in time for the Canada
day long weekend.

The Lake of the Woods Brew Pub will be opening its doors on Saturday.

Taras Manzies says the push is on to have everything ready in time.

Manzies says their first batch of beer may not be ready for the opening
weekend, but says they should be able to start selling it within the next
week or so.

Keewatin Plays Host to Canada Day Festivities

Keewatin will be a hub of activity this Canada Day long weekend.

Councillor Sharon Smith says they have events planned all weekend long for the Keewatin Summer Splash.

She says that includes a long list of activities,  such as a parade along
Ottawa Street on July 1st.

There will also be a fish fry tomorrow night at St. Andrew's United Church to kick things off.

Things will wrap up Monday night with the traditional fireworks display on the Harborfront starting
at 10:45.

Pinecrest Loses Administrator

Kenora's loss is Fort France's gain.

The Pinecrest Home of the Aged is losing its assistant administrator.

Darryl Galusha is moving to the Rainycrest Long Term Care home.

Galusha says there may be some things at the Kenora home he might be able to bring to his new job.

Galusha takes on the post July 15.

MNR Readies for Long Weekend

Another long weekend, another safety reminder from the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Spokesperson Deb McLean says the fire hazard isn't super high right now, but folks can do their part to make sure it stays that way.

Recent lightning strikes across the region has the Ministry of Natural Resources keeping a close eye on the forest fire situation.

Lightning sparked a number of new fires in the far north, most of them burning in remote locations.

McLean says if you plan on having a campfire, always stay with it and put it out completely if you plan on leaving the area.

Lucky Ducky Race this Weekend

Time to get racing.

The annual Rotary Lucky Ducky race is taking place at McLeod Park on Canada Day.

Tickets are still available for the fundraiser for the Kenora Rotary Club.

Organizer Rod Riopel says there are multiple locations to get tickets throughout the city.

The Lucky Ducky race takes to McLeod Park on Canada day and has 20 cash prizes up for grabs including 15 hundred dollars for first place.

Tom Sawyer Fishing Derby this Weekend

No rods and reels can help you in this fishing derby.

The 3rd annual Tom Sawyer Fishing Derby is this Saturday and organizer Dave Cain from the OPP says kids will have to make their own fishing poles.

The event is free to attend and Triple Play will also be hosting a charity Bar-B-Que starting at 11.

All children who register will also get a voucher for a free lunch.

This year the fishing derby will take place on the Harborfront Docks.

Highway 17 East Closed Twice in Six Hours

Heavy rain may be responsible for at least one of two accidents on Highway 17 east.

A two vehicle collision closed the Trans-Canada down around 8:30 last night near Hertz's corner for about an hour.

While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, a thunder storm had just rolled through the area prior to the collision.

Highway 17 was also closed just west of the Jones Road intersection yesterday afternoon for a couple of hours.

A pick-up truck went of the north side of the road and down an embankment.

Kenora's Fire and Emergency Services was called out to help get the two
occupants out.

They sustained only minor injuries.

Gold Project Moving Forward Despite Low Prices

Work continues on the Goliath Gold project in the Wabigoon area.

Treasury Metals is currently involved in an environment assessment.

Vice-President of the project Norm Bush says the project is moving forward despite slumping gold prices.

Gold prices dropped 7-percent last week and show no sign of turning around.

City Applauds New Recycling Initiatives

Changes to the Waste Reduction Act are getting two thumbs up from Kenora City Council.

Under the proposed changes, industry will have to pick up more of the cost of recycling programs.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says that's good news because the city ends up subsidizing recycling programs for not only local taxpayers for for residents in the unincorporated areas as well.

Canfield says currently the city pays 50 percent of the cost of blue box programs, but that's expected to change over the next couple of years with industry contributing more, based on the amount of packaging used
in their products.

Quiet Week For MNR Fire Crews

Not much in the way of forest fire activity this week for MNR fire crews.

Just one new blaze reported yesterday.

It was located at the south end of Lake of the Woods.

Fire crews are also looking into reports of a second blaze in the same area.

With all the rain and humidity this week, the fire hazard has dropped to the
low to moderate range across the region.

WSO Set To Perform Under the White Cap Pavillion

Another perk about living in Kenora.

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will be performing under the Whitecap Pavilion Friday night.

Len Mark with the Lake of the Woods Concert Group says we are lucky that we are so close to the WSO's home
.
The WSO will also be performing with the Ladies of the Lake from Kenora starting at 7:00 tomorrow night.

Admission is free, but there are reserved seats available for 25 dollars.

Highway Re-Opened

Highway 17 in Kenora was shut down for a couple of hours afternoon due to a single vehicle accident.

The accident took place in the area of the Jones Road around 2:00.

No-one was seriously injured and the OPP have since re-opened the highway to two-way traffic.

The Trans-Canada was closed for about two hours in that area.  

City Donates Clock to Retired Railroaders

Time is standing still at city hall these days.

Yesterday, council made a special presentation to the
Canadian Pacific Retired Railroaders Club.

The old CP station clock, which has been housed in council
chambers for several years, was presented to the Railroaders
group.

The clock will find a new home at the CP Railroad Museum in Norman.

The city is planning to order a replica clock, at a cost of about 700 dollars.

Camper Dies Overnight at Falcon Lake

One person is dead and another has been taken to hospital following a
bizarre incident at the Falcon Lake Campground in eastern Manitoba.

The RCMP say a 45 year old Quebec man was killed early this morning after a tree fell on a tent.

Corporal Miles Hiebert says severe weather is likely to blame.

The Mounties says a 44 year old woman has been taken to hospital for
treatment of minor injuries.

The name of the person who was killed is not going to be released by police.

Body of Missing Thunder Bay Man Found

Ontario Provincial Police say they have found the body of 26-year-old cliff diver Larry Larivee.

Police were called to the McKenzie River near Thunder Bay last night after someone said they found a body.

Larivee failed to resurface after jumping into the river a week ago today.

The cause of death at this time is unknown and a post mortem has been ordered.

LOWDPOA Gaining Ground in Campaign Against Flying Lanterns

Kenora city council has gotten more information about the dangers of flying lanterns.

Executive Director with the Lake of the Woods District Property Owners Association Susan McLeod gave another deputation this week and says they are more dangerous now despite previous attempts to ban them.

McLeod did say that a number of local stores have agreed to stop selling the lanterns.

She also wants to remind the public that they are responsible for any damage caused by lanterns that they release.

Rickford Welcomes new Baby to his Constituency

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford will have a larger entourage than usual as he tours the riding this summer.

Rickford and his wife had a baby this spring.

He says he hopes to do some touring with his new baby girl Abigail.

Rickford says despite his new parental responsibilities he plans to get to most parts of the riding this summer.

Dryden Loses Battle With MPAC

A major setback for Dryden.

The City has failed in its first attempt to overturn the property assessment of the Domtar Mill.

Mayor Craig Nuttall says they aren't giving up the fight and plan to go to the Ontario Divisional court to appeal.

The city will be joined by Espanola, which is also facing a similar situation.

Nuttall says the City can't afford to repay Domtar 5.4-million dollars and notes he wants to wait and see what happens with the appeal.

Temperatures Soar in Kenora

Yesterday was warm, but not hot enough to trigger an ice cream party.

The thermometer at the Kenora Airport topped out a 30.3 yesterday.

That was still a little less than the record high for June 25th, which was
33.3 celcius, set back in 1941.

89.5 The Lake plans to hand out ice cream sandwiches once the
temperature tops 32 celcius.

Sharks Post Good Results in Grand Forks

A pretty good showing for the Kenora Sharks Swim club in Grand Forks over
the weekend.

12 year old JC Drygasuk led the way with  six first place finishes and one 3rd.

Aly Stoliker was close behind with five firsts, a second and a third, while 14 year old
Hannah Stoliker brought home five firsts, and a second.

Other results:

9/10 year old girls:

Emilia Mastromateo (9), three 3rd's, one 2nd
Amelia Illman (9), one 3rd

11/12 year old girls:

Alex Illman (11), two 2nd's, one 3rd
Natalie Peterson (11), three 1st's, two 2nd's, two 3rd'sEmilie McDonald (12), two 3rd's
Breeze Boucha (12), one 2nd

11/12 year old boys:

Joe Morrison (12), two 1st's, four 3rd'sJacob Weedon (12), two 2nd's, two 3rd's

13/14 year old girls:

Claire Stefansson (13), one first, one 2nd, one 3rd
Winnie Boucha (13), two 1st's, two 2nd's, two 3rd's
Clara Rogers, (13), one first, one 2nd, two 3rd's

 15 and over girls:

Keely Mash (15), two 1st's
Alex Olsen, (15), two 1st's, one 2nd

15 and over boys:

Jarrett Weedon (15), five thirds

 Finally, the relay teams also did very well. Both the 12 and under Girls and Boys teams came in first in the 200 Free and 200 Medley Relays, while the 13/14 year old girls team grabbed a 1st in the 200 Free and 2nd in the 200 Medley.



A total of 22 members of the Sharks attended the Red River Valley 50 meter Challenge.

The next action for local swimmers is the Man/Sask championships the first weekend of
July.